Today I’m reviewing the third (and possibly the final) instalment in Laurence MacNaughton’s Dru Jasper series plus I’m very pleased to offer a giveaway – so check out the information at the bottom of the post if you want to chuck your hat into the ring – because who doesn’t want to win free books (especially when they’re this good)??

This is a series that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. It’s a popcorn read for sure but if you’re in the mood for a blast of fun with a bunch of crazy characters racing around trying to save the world then this is going to be just the ticket. Grab yourself a seat and some snacks and settle in to the Dru Jasper series. My reviews for book 1 and 2 are here and here, All of the stories so far have been self contained and in that respect I think can be read as standalones and please be aware of potential spoilers before reading the following.

I must say that No Sleep wasted no time whatsoever in racing into the plot. There was no build up here but an all out dash from the starting gate as the most recent threat to the world began it’s countdown. As the story starts Dru’s crystal shop is broken into and an ancient artifact stolen by somebody who seems to be a crystal sorceress – which is very surprising as it appeared up to this point that Dru was the only one. This sorceress is incredibly powerful though. At the same time Rane and Salem are attacked by a huge bat and Salem loses his defensive amulet in the melee that ensues. A number of other coincidences feed into the story and sightings of other unnaturally large beasts on a similar scale to the bat. Something is about to go wrong and Dru and her crew seem to be outnumbered and outmanoeuvred. Still, what they lack in strength and magical ability they more than make up for with their cheery disregard for personal safety and grim determination against the odds. The gang need to find the Apocalypse Scroll but in order to do so they need first to find a way to all get along and work together. Not easy when one of the gang is possessed.

What I love about this series is the characters. Every book has added extra layers and made me fall a little more for them – all of them to be honest. Dru. She comes across as a bit dippy, a tad insecure maybe but she is actually deceptively strong willed and incredibly loyal. Her own abilities have increased considerably and with them her confidence has grown. Greyson on the other hand seems to be suffering something of a confidence crisis. Sure, he’s definitely the eye candy of the piece and Dru becomes a babbling mess whenever she’s in his presence, but, his power is a result of the demon that possesses him. If the demon goes he’ll return to being a regular guy won’t he? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that Greyson loves the whole demon, red eyed, easy to flare up into a temper possession but, it does make him different, and powerful. And it comes with a beast of a car – Hellbringer. I love this car. It’s truly developed a moody and almost dog like persona as it stalks the streets protectively with it’s engine growling. Then we have Salem and Rane and their fiery on/off relationship. Salem I guess is the character that you’re not supposed to really like. He tries particularly hard to remain aloof and contemptuous of the others, although to get back to the dog analogy his bark seems to be worse than his bite in that respect. He really doesn’t trust Greyson and thinks it’s only a matter of time before the demon takes control. The only person he has any affection for his Rane. Rane and Opal, Dru’s stalwart friends – both so very different and yet such good friends. I love these two. Rane’s ability to change into any number of different materials or metals just fascinates me – as does all the mention of the crystals and what they are used for and Opal brings a certain stylish attitude to the cast.

So, you see what the author did. He went and created a bunch of characters that have only gone and worked their magic on me and it makes me happy. A series I would definitely have no hesitation in recommending.

I realise I’ve not said much about the plot or world here. Well, the world here is a modern one so easy to envision and the plot – well, I think I could be forgiven for saying that the plot is another ‘stop the evil person and save the world’ storyline which is much the same as the first two books. However, don’t be put off by that it’s not a criticism. There’s plenty of creativity, crystals, muscle cars, and death defying rescues not to mention giant bats and other creepy critters. the relationship between Dru and Greyson is becoming much more concrete and the strong bonds of friendship are further strengthened.

For me, this is urban fantasy the way I love it. The series has gone from strength to strength and I’ve formed strong attachments to the characters. On top of this there is just plenty of fun. It all feels a little tongue in cheek, it’s definitely not taking itself too seriously and it gives me a sort of Scooby Doo/Wacky Races vibe but in written format and for grown ups. The only thing missing here is somebody shaking their fist and saying “darned pesky kids”.

I’m not sure if this is the end of the series or not. The story is, as with the previous books, self contained, but I think there is scope for more yet to come. I’ll keep my fingers crossed in that respect.

I received a copy through Edelweiss courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.

GIVEAWAY

The lovely people at Pyr have generously provided two copies of No Sleep Till Doomsday for a giveaway. This is international, you don’t need to follow me or any such. Just leave me a comment below if you would wish to be entered into the competition or leave me your twitter handle and I can let you know when the winners are announced, or leave me your email. The competition is open for one week.

Hi – just a quick line to let you know that you have won yourself a copy of No Sleep Till Doomsday – could you email me your email address (lynnsbooks64@gmail.com) – I’ll need to pass onto the publisher so you can receive your copy.
Thanks
Lynn 😀

So I got a heads up from the publicist that there will actually be one more book after this! I couldn’t believe it, since the stakes were already so high in this one, and the ending did have a feeling of a series conclusion with everyone paired up and happy. But I’m excited to hear there will be more 🙂